Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

If you want to add a sumptuous looking fireplace to your home but you do not want its installation and operation to be too big of a hassle, then you definitely have to go for a ventless model. Of course, they do add heat to the room they are placed in, and they make the ambiance a lot more pleasurable for the inhabitants of the house.

In case you want to make this luxurious addition to your home, we recommend you take a closer look at the comparison matrix below to analyze the best models of this kind on the market and what they have to offer, and read the rest of the article to learn more about these products.

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Product Warranty

1 Year

90 Days

1 Year

90 Days

90 Days

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Online User Manual

Vent-Free Gel Fireplaces Reviews

1. Outdoor GreatRoom Inspiration INSP-SS

Although it isn’t the cheapest option you will stumble upon, it is most definitely the most proficient and stylish one out there. The Inspiration model is a non-toxic, safe product to rely on for heating. As a matter of fact, it is even UL listed for its safe design. Another noteworthy detail is that the manufacturing company backs it with a 1-year warranty that exceeds industry standard.

Design

What you will first notice is the impeccable design it boasts, the brushed stainless steel finish and solid aluminum and stainless steel construction not only making it an ideal decorative addition to any room in your house, but ensuring durability as well. Due to this high-quality construction, you can place it indoors, as well as outdoors, as there is no risk for its finish to corrode, weather resistance being one of its strong points. It measures 31.5 inches by 9 inches by 31.5 inches, so even if you place it on the floor, it won’t take up too much space. In addition, as it weighs a mere 31 pounds, you will have no trouble installing it on your own.

Mention Worthy Features and Specs

Takes only a few minutes to install it, and it comes assembled for your convenience.

Comes with diamond glass fire crystals that add to the ambiance when using it.

Can either be used as a freestanding model, or mounted to the wall in order to clear up floor space.

Performance

You expect for it to effectively heat up the space it is placed in, and fortunately, it delivers when it comes to this aspect. The 7000 BTU output per hour makes it one of the most prolific entries on the market, meaning that you are likely to not need another heating source when you use it. Designed to be used in rooms and spaces of up to 125 square feet, you can rely on it to provide heat even in a larger area like the living room, for example. Additionally, it only requires a single 13-ounce gel fuel can to run, and the estimated burn time it provides is approximately 80 minutes.

PROS

CONS

Takes only a few minutes to install it

Made with weather resistant materials – stainless steel and aluminum

Comes with a 4-pound bag of glass fire crystals

Utilizes clean burning gel fuel to provide warmth indoors

VERDICT

A stylish addition worth buying and installing solely due to the touch of finesse it adds to any décor, this is our top recommendation for those who want to keep warm without altering air quality indoors or affecting the environment.

Real Flame Fresno Entertainment G1200-DW

2. Real Flame Fresno Entertainment G1200-DW

What stands out first when looking at it is the fact that it is designed in an ingenious way, allowing you to even place a TV as heavy as 100 pounds and as long as 50 inches on it. Also, the adjustable shelves allow you to place decorative items on them in order to pretty up the room that it is placed in. Therefore, it will make for the perfect addition to the living room as there are more uses that you can subject it to.

Its maximum capacity of is three 13-ounce cans that provide a heat output of 9000 BTUs per hour and that last for up to 3 hours. It is capable of warming up an area of 144 square feet, so you can rely on it to make the ambiance better during cold winter nights. What is interesting about it is the fact that it is designed to make it look like a real fire is crackling in it, making your home seem more luxurious.

It might not be the lightest out there, weighing 157.7 pounds, but it is portable nonetheless as it allows you to place it anywhere you want, with a little help from a loved one being easily capable of changing its location.

PROS

CONS

Features two side cabinets where you can store decorative objects

Short warranty – only 90 days

Shelves of the cabinets are adjustable

Able to emit up to 9000 BTUs of heat per hour

Can support a TV that weighs up to 100 pounds

VERDICT

Due to the fact that it can be used as a TV table as well, this multifunctional model is bound to be one of our top recommendations. Reasonably priced and providing a high heat output of 9000 BTUs per hour, it is bound to ensure the ideal indoor temperature at all times.

SEI Black Arch Top FA5807

3. SEI Black Arch Top FA5807

It must be mounted on the wall, and it makes an exceptional addition to any room as it boasts a sumptuous and stylish design. It will take only a few minutes to finish installing it as there is no assembly required, coming ready for use. Obviously, it is a gel fueled model, and it can hold a maximum of three 13-ounce cans at once, delivering a great heat output of 9000 BTUs per hour for up to 3 hours.

One of the most impressive aspects is the fact that it can be installed both indoors or outdoors due to the corrosion and weather resistant construction that it boasts. In addition, it is capable of heating an area of 220 square feet in the safest way possible, not producing any dangerous smoke.

Another highlight of is that it features fiberglass insulation against the wall. When it comes to caring for it, there is not much work that you will have to do, requiring only to be dusted once in a while with a soft dry cloth. All of these impressive elements combined with the 1-year warranty and the fair price that it comes at make it one of the most desirable choices to go with, for sure.

PROS

CONS

Can hold a maximum of 3 fuel cans at a time, thus providing a 9000 BTU heat output

Does not come with hooks that are needed for mounting it on the wall

Can cover an area of up to 220 square feet

Backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor

Stylish design ensures it adds ambiance to any space you place it in

VERDICT

As it is capable of covering areas of up to 220 square feet, providing a 9000 BTU heat output, it is an ideal solution for keeping warm even in the coldest of days. Furthermore, it boasts a stylish design that makes it a veritable centerpiece regardless where you place it.

Real Flame Ashley 7100

4. Real Flame Ashley 7100

This freestanding model is a fine example of excellence in design as it not only looks incredibly stylish, but it is safe to use and effective as well. It is capable of warming up spaces of up to 220 square feet for a maximum of 3 hours if you put three 13-ounce cans in it.

Just like most of the models featured in this top, it delivers a heat output of 9000 BTUs per hour, so the ambiance will surely be perfect even during winter due to using it. Weighing only 98 pounds and having a rather compact size for such a product, it will be easy for you to change its location if you ever want to.

Although assembly is required with it, do not imagine that it will take an enormous amount of time to do it or that it will be overly complicated. All in all, it is an option that we consider to be worth taking into consideration due to the overall design and performance that it boasts.

PROS

CONS

Quality veneer and solid wood construction

Warranty lasts for only 3 months

Provides warmth to a 220 square feet area with ease

Can fit up to 3 gel fuel cans at once

Provides a maximum burn time of up to 3 hours

VERDICT

A freestanding model that is not only safe to use, but that provides a generous heat output and a great area coverage is the Ashley 7100. Best of all, it is designed to be the ideal living room centerpiece regardless of the pre-existing décor, its clean lines and overall spectacular look making it a veritable must have.

Real Flame Silverton G8600W

5. Real Flame Silverton G8600W

It boasts a stylish design that makes it the perfect addition to any room that you intend to place it in. The materials that it is made with are the ones that ensure it will be a long-lasting investment. Therefore, do not get any false impressions about it by solely relying on the 90-day warranty that it comes with because it will be in a perfect shape for a longer time than you could ever imagine.

Due to the fact that it weighs only 92.5 pounds, you will be able to easily move it from one location to another. The heat output that it boasts is 9000 BTUs per hour, reaching this impressive capability if you place three 13-ounce gel fuel cans in it. Also, it will be able to provide up to 3 hours of warmth, generating heat for a 144 square foot area.

Therefore, in addition to boosting the decor of the room that it is placed in, it will effectively warm it up as well. Best of all, it does this while maintaining its Eco-friendliness due to the fact that the fuel it uses is extremely clean and safe for the environment.

PROS

CONS

Great price to quality ratio – one of the more affordable options on this market

Manufacturing company only backs it against defects for 90 days

Can use up to 3 cans of clean burning fuel at a time

Emits 9000 BTUs of heat when it runs at its full capacity

Able to cover heating up rooms of up to 144 square feet

VERDICT

One of the more reasonably priced selections on this market, the Chateau will effectively raise indoor temperature when placed in rooms measuring up to 144 square feet. Any flaws the product does have are basically covered by the high heat output, so there is no reason to skimp on making this purchase.

Moda Flame Valencia PRO

6. Moda Flame Valencia PRO

Regardless what type of décor the room you place it in boasts, its impeccable stainless steel finish is sure to compliment it perfectly. It requires you to place two 1.5-liter gel fuel cans inside the 430 stainless steel burner for it to start doing its magic and heat up the place. What used, it provides up to 12000 BTUs, which is more than enough to keep you warm in the coldest of days.

On average, it takes 4 to 6 hours for it to finish off the fuel, and the flames it produces can reach up to 14 inches in height. As it is a wall mount recessed model, it doesn’t take up any floor space, thus being ideal for those with limited free space indoors. It measures 43.3 inches in width, 19.7 inches in height, and 7.8 inches in depth, making for a stunning decorative addition to the room it’s placed in.

Unfortunately, it isn’t the easiest to install, those who do not have prior experienced with installing a recessed fireplace most likely finding it a hard task. Things would have been made easier if there were an instructions manual that would have explained the procedure in its entirety, but this isn’t the case.

PROS

CONS

Provides up to 12000 BTUs to warm up the room it’s placed in

Lack of an instructions manual makes it a tad difficult for the uninitiated to install it

Delivers a whopping burn time during which you will be provided with heat of up to 6 hours

Stainless steel finish makes it an elegant addition to a modern décor room

Flames reach an approximate height ranging from 12 to 14 inches at their peak

VERDICT

A mount recessed model that boasts an impeccable stainless steel finish and delivers up to 6 hours of heat in the room it’s placed in by burning clean gel fuel, the Valencia PRO is among our favorite products on the market for its design and heat output capabilities.

Interesting Info

These fireplaces are designed to work with gel fuel, an environmentally friendly type of fuel which does not release any smoke, thus not endangering the planet or your health. This is the reason why most of them are ventless in the first place, not requiring a vent because no smoke is released when they operate.

Due to the fact that they provide you the chance to enjoy looking at a beautiful fire in the comfort of your own home, all while not needing to be cleaned of ashes after they finish the fuel, they have become a more popular option for those who want a fireplace.

Another aspect which makes them desirable is the fact that they are incredibly easy to install, sparing you of spending a generous sum of money on an expert installation. Also, know that the installation is absurdly easy regardless of whether you are looking at a wall-mounted model or at a freestanding one.

When it comes to safety in use, they are as safe as possible, but there still exist certain rules you must follow when operating them. Some of the most important rules to follow are to make sure you are using the precise type of gel fuel recommended for it, to make sure the surface it sits on is perfectly flat in case you have a freestanding model, to use the mounting brackets that come with it in case you have invested in a wall mounted model, and to never allow wires or cables to enter into contact with the firebox to avoid unpleasant incidents from occurring.

Why It Is a Smart Acquisition

As with any other type of investment, you have to put in balance the price the product comes at and the advantages it delivers, this being the only way to conclude whether it is worth the money or not. Therefore, in case you want to make sure you will not later regret making the purchase, read this section of the article carefully to find out what are the advantages these products come with.

No Need for an Expert Installation

No matter if you purchase a wall mounted model or a freestanding one, you will be glad to know an expert installation surely will not be required with it as there is no need for it. While it is true that some models do require to be assembled, it is a fairly easy procedure which generally takes a couple of minutes. Also, a lot of them do not even require it, coming ready for use as they are already assembled, all you have to do being to find a location for it, place the fuel cans in it, and light the fuel with a match.

Extremely Low Operating Costs

Operating them generally will not cost you much as they only need gel fuel cans which cost approximately $3 each. You can even get a good deal for them by purchasing a 24-pack at a price of about $80, depending on how often you use it, the pack lasting for about a month. These costs combined with the fact that they come at low prices make them a desirable option to go with.

Instant Heat Output

With traditional fireplaces, you cannot enjoy sitting in a warm room only minutes after you arrive home because you have to prepare the fire, poking at it and adding logs until everything is perfect. On the other hand, with vent-free models, you will not have these issues anymore as they only require you to put the cans inside and light the gel with a match. After you do this, the room will immediately start to warm up, so you will finally be able to sit back and relax.

Eco-Friendly and Healthy

As a person who thinks about the environment, you will be delighted to know that these are the most Eco-friendly options to go with. The gel does not contribute to deforestation or the loss of habitat for animals because it is not made from wood. Also, due to the fact that it does not release any smoke or harmful toxins into the air, your health will be better protected, and the air will not be contaminated either.

Extremely Versatile

One of the aspects which make these products be so popular is the fact that they are extremely versatile when it comes to placement. What makes them safe for use in any room or space you could think of is precisely the fact that they do not release any smoke and that they are ventless. Therefore, no matter if you want to warm up your small apartment, a room in your home, the basement, or a covered porch, this is the perfect product to go with.

No Maintenance is Required

Those who have worked with wood-burning models at one point know how annoying and time consuming it is to clean up the ash and dirt after each use. With ventless models, these problems will not exist anymore, no maintenance work being required for them. All you have to do is to clean their exterior with a soft cloth once in a while when dust gathers on the surface.

Safety and Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

As with any type of fireplace, there are certain steps you must follow in order to make sure operating it will not present a risk for you at all. In this section of the article, we will give you some useful safety and maintenance tips we recommend you apply in order to ensure a long life of the product and a safe, accident-free operation as well.

Thoroughly Clean It Before Use

Although gel fuel models are an extremely safe option to go with and they do not require much in the way of maintenance work, this does not mean you are spared of all efforts. As a matter of fact, what you should do every time before using it is to make sure it has been cleaned thoroughly for dust and grime to not be present in or on it. Dust and grime are potential fire hazards, so it is best to stay safe and ensure they will not be present when it is in use.

Use Only the Approved Fuel

Although this is a pretty obvious piece of advice, it is one that we must list anyway. When operating it, make sure you are using the approved type of fuel for it, more precisely gel fuel. Also, it is best you do not go for a different model or brand than the one recommended for the model you are using. This way you ensure that in no way will the fuel used affect it.

Place It On a Level Surface

Just like traditional models, it is important for ventless ones to sit on level surfaces as well. This positioning prevents any unwanted accidents from occurring as the surface does not favor any potential damage to the product and to its surroundings. Therefore, if you go with a wall mounted model, make sure to mount it perfectly, and if you go for a freestanding model, ensure the surface it is placed on does not have any bumps or inclines.

Keep the Required Distances

No matter the model you buy, there are certain distances that are recommended to be kept between it and other household objects. These distances are mentioned either in the installation manual or the user manual, so you will not have any trouble finding this piece of information. If you make sure to follow the given instructions, you will not be in danger of damaging other appliances or furniture pieces which are in its proximity.

Do Not Let It Operate Unattended

Despite the fact that they are the safest options to go with, not producing toxic fumes and smoke, it is still not a good idea to leave home when they are operating. You never know what can go wrong and if you are not there to fix the situation, a fire might break out. Therefore, whatever you do, do not let it operate unattended.

Buying Guide

Are you interested in making a purchase, but you do not know what you should look for to guarantee your money is spent on a top quality model? Then read this section of the article and follow these guidelines to ensure your money will be spent in the smartest way possible.

Mounting Options

Most products of this kind are freestanding, but there are more than enough wall mounted models out there as well, like the Outdoor GreatRoom Inspiration INSP-SS and the SEI Black Arch Top FA5807. When buying the product, it is important to pay attention to the mounting option, but know that no matter if you go with a freestanding or a wall-mounted model, it will not be of a poorer or better quality because of the way it mounts. What you should do is to pick the right option depending on your own needs and preferences.

BTU Rating

They generally have a heat output of 9000 BTUs, this being the optimal BTU rating to go for. But know that this heat output will not enable it to warm up a large room, so expect for it to handle warming spaces which range from 120 square feet to about 250 square feet. Nonetheless, this does not take away from their effectiveness as they heat up the area very fast, without requiring you to do any cleaning up when the fuel burns off either.

Burn Time

When the gel fuel burns out, you have to refill it in order to warm up the room for a longer period of time. This is why it is important to take into consideration the capacity when it comes to the maximum burn time. As you have probably already noticed, most of the models in our top have a generous burn time of up to 3 hours. We recommend that the one you choose has the same burn time as well to avoid having to replenish it with gel fuel too often.

Fuel Can Capacity

Obviously, the burn time is influenced by the maximum amount of gel fuel they can store. Most of the models featured in our top have a great capacity when it comes to this aspect, being able to burn up to 3 cans at once. This is the reason why they have the impressive 3-hour burn time as well, and why we recommend you choose one of them when making a purchase, avoiding being inconvenienced when using it.

Manufacturers We Recommend You Buy From

Only a top brand can deliver a top product, this being the reason why we took our time and researched the market to find the best brands at the moment. After our research, we have discovered that The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, Real Flame, and Southern Enterprises are the leading brands at the moment. To find out more about these manufacturers, read the following lines.

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company

This company is renowned worldwide for manufacturing unique products which have an interesting and different design, releasing products for both indoor and outdoor use. Among these high-quality, unique items the company produces we found top-tier fireplaces that are gel fueled as well, their most successful model to date being the Outdoor GreatRoom Inspiration INSP-SS that has ranked number 1 in our top.

Real Flame

Real Flame is the perfect example of how far determination and hard work can get you. This company was founded more than 30 years ago in Wisconsin, and it has since then gained a massive success on the market. Even now, the quality of their products is unmatchable, this being easy to understand when you take a look at our top. As you will notice, three of the models in it are produced by this manufacturer, the reason for their entry in the top being that they boast a durable construction and a great overall performance.

Southern Enterprises

A company which has gained a massive amount of success over the years is Southern Enterprises, this producer of home furnishings delivering only high-quality products to customers. The company has been around since 1976 and it has specialized in producing items for both small and large living spaces, prioritizing value and quality in order to keep customers satisfied. What makes this brand stand out from its competitors is the fact that passionate designers work here, these people always keeping up with the latest trends to make the products appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Rating Our Picks

If you want to understand exactly why our top looks this way, read this section of the article. Here, we will show you what stands behind our ratings, thus better explaining the classification we have chosen.

Materials Used for the Construction

When rating a product of this kind, you have to take into consideration whether it boasts a durable construction because only the construction shows whether it will pass the test of time or not. Knowing this, we made sure all of the models featured in our top are made with high-quality materials, thus guaranteeing your money will be spent on a long-lasting product no matter the model you end up choosing.

Heated Area

Another aspect which greatly influenced us when reviewing and ranking these products is the area that they can warm up. We gave extra points to the SEI Black Arch Top FA5807 and the Real Flame Ashley 7100 models as they can heat up areas of up to 220 square feet. The bigger the covered area, the better as you are ensured to be in a cozy, warm environment even in the harshest winter days when the weather outside is horrendous.

Heat Output

The heat output is tightly linked to the area it can warm up, so it is easy to understand why we had to rate the models which boasted higher BTUs better. Except for the Outdoor GreatRoom Inspiration INSP-SS model that has a heat output of 7000 BTUs, all the other models in our top have a BTU rating of 9000. If this makes you wonder why we ranked the Outdoor GreatRoom model as being the best, know that it surpassed its competitors in most of the other departments, so we couldn’t let this aspect affect its overall rating too much.

Indoor/Outdoor Use

Some models are designed strictly for indoor use, while others are more versatile, allowing you to place them either indoors or outdoors. Of course, we gave extra points to the Outdoor GreatRoom Inspiration INSP-SS and the SEI Black Arch Top FA5807 because these two models are perfect for use both indoors and outdoors. This makes them more versatile as they are useful in a lot of situations, keeping you warm no matter if you want to sit on the porch and look at the stars during a chilly summer night, or if you want to cozy up in the living room and read a book during a cold winter day.

Frequently Asked Questions

?What makes it safer than a traditional fireplace?

There are two main reasons to why this is a smarter and safer pick – safety against potential fire hazards, and safety for your lungs. As it is not actual fire that heats up the house when using it, the potentially hazardous situation where a fire outbreak could arise does not exist anymore. When it comes to the second point we made, that it is a safer option for your health, it is important for you to keep in mind that there are no emissions when the gel fuel burns, so the air is you breathe is not loaded with particles and gases which might harm your health.

?Do the heat or the flames cause discoloration of the housing?

As long as you tend to your regular maintenance chores, this is not an issue to worry about. Sure, as time passes, after prolonged use, you will notice discolorations on the fuel lid and tray. However, when it comes to discoloration marks on the steel housing, you can easily get rid of them by cleaning it as instructed in the maintenance section of this article. Basically, no matter how long you have been using it, if you tend to clean it regularly, it will always look like brand new.

?If I place it outdoors, will it be as effective in heating the area I want it to warm up?

When you install it outdoors, depending on the weather conditions and the temperature, it might, unfortunately, be a tad less efficient when it comes to warming up that specific space. If you want maximum efficiency from this point of view, and to enjoy the warmth even on your porch, for example, we recommend you look into a model which provides a minimum heat output of 7000 BTUs per hour.

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